The second half of our New Jersey trip

The time was not about visiting the Jersey Shore, although we did spend a fun (but cold) day there.  

   It was not about funnel cakes, fun houses, games and prizes and matching sweatshirts. 

    

Or the chance to see, first hand, some of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy's wrath. 

Although there was all of that.  

It was not about the chance to  "Behold New York City" (which is what Riley was yelling when I took the photo below. )

  

Although behold, we did. 

 It wasn't about the afternoon spent at the 'Empty Sky' memorial at Liberty State Park memorial. 

Although I really enjoyed that particular place, and to make it even more memorable,

 Riley lost her 2nd tooth there. 

 It wasn't about seeing the Statue of Liberty in Real Life 

(albeit from afar- we didn't make it out to Liberty Island.)

 

 Although the chance to see her, even distantly, has prompted much discussion about freedom, democracy, patriotism, and (interestingly enough) France, since then.

 

It wasn't about checking out some NYC landmarks, such as Times Square

seeing "Annie" on Broadway

walking through St. Patrick's Cathedral

   Although it was fun to see many of the places that we've always heard about. 

It wasn't about the chickens that lived at our friend's house,

 

or the new baby chick that Riley got to "adopt" (she named it Little Rebecca.)

 

  What it was about was spending time with one of my very best friends- someone who knows me from the ground up, who has been with me through thick and thin, and who has seen all of me-the good and the bad- and loves me anyway.   It was about being with someone who has made me laugh until I fell over, helped me think about things in a different light, and has even seen me 'ugly cry.'

 

   It was about spending time with her children, who are like her in so many ways, and letting my Girl become part of their family for a few days.  It was about the special kind of rest that comes when you are seen and heard and loved completely, without question, and without reserve.   

 We had so much fun spending a few days with the Righetti family - they are all energy and fun in human form.  Thanks, Cam and Frank and kiddos- we sure love you!

The Real Karmic Godmother and Soul Sista of New Jersey

A couple of weeks ago, Riley and I were lucky enough to be able to travel to New Jersey and visit some friends over Spring Break.  We stayed for the first few days with our dear friends, Amy and Maya, and Amy's super adorable boys, Evan (14) and Charlie (12). 

Amy and I met our first year at Squam Art Workshop.  I instantly loved her brassy attitude and penchant for fun, and I was excited to stay in touch with her.  We  have become closer with each passing year, usually seeing each other in the fall for Squam or Squam by the Sea.  She's been a constant cheerleader for me in so many ways, and has provided a listening ear and wise words through some difficult phases.  A few years ago, I met Maya while she was in SLC for her Tour de Word project, during which time she taught a poetry workshop in my home and stayed a night with us. We didn't get to spend a lot of time with her then, but I really liked her and was so enchanted with her energy and presence.

So Maya had met Riley briefly, but Riley and Amy had yet to meet.   I knew that the combination of people and personalities was going to be, well...really good.

And oh, it was! 

Amy and Riley - outside of the museum of natural history

painting rocks

The time we spent with Amy and Maya was just what we needed- low-key, creative, and simply full of "feel-goodness."  There were trips to the Butterfly Exhibit at the Museum of Natural History, relaxing hikes in the New Jersey woods, and even a 6th grade talent show, featuring Charlie and his amazing dancing skills (seriously - this kid has the moves!)  Plus there was a lot of hanging out on the most. comfortable. couch. in. the. entire. world.  Lots of typing on the typewriter, some rock painting, lazy mornings and a few superhero capes thrown in for good measures. 

butterfly exhibit at the Museum of Natural History

Riley loved this subway mosaic butterfly

Besides the Museum of Natural History and Central Park, we made a special trip to the Plaza Hotel, where Eloise lives.  Amy sent Riley an Eloise book a few years ago and this started an obsession with all things Pink, Plaza and Eloise.  So getting to be there with Amy was a highlight of Riley's trip.  I will also say that Amy taught Riley to say "But I want an Oompa Loompa NOW!" in an annoying, whiny voice, which Riley thinks is hysterically funny.  And I will be paying Amy back soundly for that one day - one day soon... 

Plaza door handles

Amy and Riley and Eloise

Riley at the Plaza 

We had planned to go into the city one more time with them  and experience "Write on the Line," but thanks to a little girl who didn't feel so well, that plan had to be altered.  I was disappointed, but I guess that just means I need to head back to see them again soon!

Riley said her favorite part of our time in Nutley, NJ was seeing Eloise's hotel, riding the subway and playing tricks on Charlie (we short sheeted his bed.  She thought this was the best thing ever.)  My favorite part was spending time with these amazing women who I am so incredibly grateful to count as friends.

After returning home, Riley gave a "show and tell" about our trip for her class, during which she referred to Amy as her "Karmic Godmother."  I was thrilled to hear Riley pick up on that phrase, which is what I have called Amy for a while.  And I was even more delighted when she described Maya as her "Soul Sista."  I don't know where she got that, but it works.   I can't imagine women I'd rather have be identified as my daughter's "Karmic Godmother" and "Soul Sista" than Amy and Maya.

Thanks, Amy and Maya (and Evan and Charlie) for letting us spend time in your world for a few days!  We loved everything about it!

Riley and Maya - strong case of hero worship happening here.